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What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Anesthesia

You will be given local anesthesia. Only the area that is being operated on will be numbed by an injection.

Description of the Procedure

A local anesthetic will be used to numb the toe. Using special tools, the nail will be cut down towards the cuticle (bottom of the nail). Then either the whole nail or part of the nail will be pulled off. A chemical may be put on the cuticle to prevent the nail that was removed from growing back.

How Long Will It Take?

Less than 1 hour

How Much Will It Hurt?

It will likely hurt some when the anesthetic is injected into your toe. During the procedure, you will not feel pain, but you will feel pressure and tugging. After the procedure, you will likely have some pain. Your doctor may give you pain relievers.

Post-procedure Care

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Wear cotton socks and loose fitting shoes for about 2 weeks.

Do not run or engage in strenuous activities until the toe is healed. You may need to wait 2 weeks.

Be sure to follow your doctor's
instructions
.

To avoid future ingrown nails:

Do not wear high heels or shoes that fit poorly.

Trim your toenails straight across. Do not pick or tear at them.

Complete healing takes about 2-3 weeks. This will not interfere with most activities. If the entire nail was removed, your body will create a hard skin in its place. After the skin has covered the sensitive area, you can resume normal activities.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.